Imelda Ambondo
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on the Electricity Control Board (ECB) to ensure electricity in Namibia remains reliable, safe, and affordable as it regulates the country’s power sector.
The ECB’s mandate covers the electricity supply industry, including generation, transmission, distribution, supply, import, and export, through setting tariffs and issuing licenses.
Speaking at the inauguration of the ECB’s refurbished office and the launch of its Integrated Strategic Business Plan (ISBP) last week, Nandi-Ndaitwah said electricity is essential for daily life and the country’s development.
“The ECB’s work impacts Namibians every day. Electricity powers homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses,” she said.
Her comments come as NamPower last week proposed an 8.4% tariff increase for the 2026/2027 financial year.
“The fundamental role of the Electricity Control Board as Namibia’s independent electricity regulator is ensuring that the country’s electricity industry operates in the public interest by balancing affordability, efficiency, safety and accessibility for all stakeholders,” she said.
According to the President, the ECB also plays an important role in supporting economic growth and improving people’s lives.
“The ECB’s role is pivotal in supporting economic growth, improving quality of life and driving sustainability,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the board regulates tariffs and promotes investment in energy infrastructure while also working to expand access to electricity, especially in rural areas.
She further called on staff members to uphold integrity in their work.
“Staff members who make themselves guilty of corruption, bribery and graft should be dealt with expeditiously so that they do not tarnish the good name and reputation of the Electricity Control Board,” she said.
During the event, the President also officially inaugurated the ECB’s refurbished office building, which has capacity to accommodate up to 90 staff members.
“This two-level office complex, with the capacity to house up to 90 staff members, is an investment in the efficient administration of semi-public services and is intended to provide a conducive working environment for the staff of the ECB,” she said.
ECB chief executive officer Robert Kahimise said the Integrated Strategic Business Plan for 2026-2031 sets a clear direction for the ECB to navigate a rapidly changing energy landscape.
“Over the next five years, our focus is to strengthen Namibia’s electricity sector while laying the foundation for our transition into the Namibia Energy Regulatory Authority (NERA). As we transition towards the NERA, this plan sets the stage for a robust energy future. We’ll leverage NERA’s expanded mandate to drive energy sector growth, sustainability, and development,” he said.
He added that the plan is anchored in our national aspirations such as the Vision 2030, National Development Plan 6, the National Integrated Resource Plan (NIRP) amongst others.
“As we embark on the next five years, our strategic plan is guided by six key focus areas that together strengthen our ability to deliver secure, affordable and sustainable energy for Namibia,” he said.
Kahimise said their first focus area is improving affordability and security of supply.
“We will modernise tariff mechanisms, reduce our dependence on imports and enable more local generation, especially firm and baseload capacity to support economic growth and stability,” he said.
Kahimise said they will work towards expanding access and improving the quality of energy supply and service.
“Our third focus area is strengthening stakeholder relations and enhancing our corporate brand. We will deepen our engagements, continue to enhance transparency and drive initiatives that support socioeconomic development, while continuing to protect vulnerable consumers,” he said.
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